122,121, 120, 119 Days

I've failed these last couple days and I don't think tonight is going to be different. I just haven't had time to write in the blog. However, I'll let you know that I got a good 20 min, 8 mi ride today before I boarded a flight. I should be able to stay up on my workouts while out of town.

Happy training!

Drew

123 Days

Another day down...

Today seemed to go rather well. I started of with a lifting session followed by a core workout in the morning. By the time I got around to my swim I was somewhat sore which I figured would damper the swim. However, I was able to push through the soreness and have a very solid swim session.

Today's Workout

• Weights/ Core
• 3 sets, 15-20 reps
• Squat, bent-arm pulldown, leg press, seated row, leg extension, hamstring curl
• Core set #2, 2 sets
• Results
• 15 reps, 3 sets of all the above 
• Completed the core workout
• Reflection
• The weight session is always difficult when done in the morning. Even with stretching my body will occasionally seem to rebel against the idea of hauling weights. Starting off with squats doesn't really help either. The core session was done at a slower pace than normal but my form stay in line and I was able to sustain a solid burn.
• Swim
• No warm up
• 500 yd
• 5 x (25 right side kick, 25 left side kick, 50 medium effort)
• 500 yd
• 100 closed fist, 100 swim, 100 paddles, 100 swim, 100 closed fist
• No cool down
• Results
• Completed. During the main swim sets, 1:27 100yd splits
• Reflections
• Once my heart rate settled down at about 250 yards into the first set I was able to focus and grind the swim out.

Tomorrow starts off with a Run session in the morning and a Bike session after work. The legs are feeling great and hopefully I will get some solid sleep tonight!

Happy training!

Drew

124 Days

I started this morning off with a bike ride on the trainer. It turned out to be excellent. My body is still trying to get used to more intense workouts before work. I've been getting out of bed at 4:40 every morning so that I can complete one of my daily workouts and get to work on time.

Today's Workout

• Bike
• 30 min warmup
• 30 min time trial, push the pace and heart rate
• 15 min cool down
• Results
• 15 min warmup, 12-14 mph
• 30 mins trial, 15 min at 18 mph, 15 min at 24-26 mph
• 15 min, 16 mph
• Reflection
• The ride was great and I felt strong throughout. The bike is quickly becoming my strong point over the swim. I guess after a year of riding the same bike it has been tuned and adjusted to fit me perfectly. 

I am looking forward to my weight session and swim tomorrow. The weights will be in the morning prior to work.

And in other news, I finally pushed through 196 lbs and hit 195 tonight. Big accomplishment! 15 more to go!

Happy training!

Drew

125 Days: Paleo Diet

I decided that my diet needed a change, possibly temporary, but a change to push through my current weight plateau. I decided to give the Paleo diet a try. For those who are unsure of what this diet consists of, think back to era of early humans. This was when processed food did not exist and yet the species thrived. The diet is all about eating foods that haven't been processed such as grain products (bread, cereal, etc.), dairy (milk, cheese, ice cream), salty foods and sweets. In addition, if you are trying to lose weight like I am, it is best to avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes.

I really can't speak for the benefits of this diet yet because I have only been on it for a day and a half but I did notice no drowsy period in my day. The diet allows for your blood sugar to maintain a constant level, avoiding the peaks that processing carbs causes. I still plan on drinking one cup of coffee a day but more than that just is not necessary.

I will keep everyone posted on how it goes. If you are interested in a food list for the Paleo diet, check out this link:
http://desertcrossfit.typepad.com/Paleo_Food_List.pdf

There is also a number of videos on YouTube that talk about the benefits of the diet. Hopefully it works for me!

Today's Workouts

• Run
• 15-20 min run
• High knees, butt kicks, skips, karaoke, strides (x5-10)
• Results
• 20 min run, followed by assigned drills, 6 strides
• Reflections
• The morning Run session went very well. I wasn't expecting to be fully into the workout but once I started moving things fell into place. My hips opened up early on the run, allowing me to push the pace early
• Swim
• 400 yd swim, 8x50 swim (:15s rest intervals)
• 1000 time trial
• 200 swim
• Results
• 300 swim, 8x50 at :40 sec pace
• 500 swim
• 200 swim
• Reflections
• Unfortunately the time trial did not go well. I simply could not get a rhythm going and was really straining to maintain form. I decided to cut the trial in half in order to save my shoulders and sanity. It's unfortunate but it happens. Hopefully the next swim will go better!

That is all I have today. Off to bed so that I can get my Bike session done in the morning!

Happy training!

Drew

126 Days

Today was going to be an off day but following yesterday's slow ride, I felt that I would get back on the bike and bang out some miles.

I wasn't going to do more than 30 mins of hard riding it order to have somewhat of an off day. I went out for 27 mins, and averaged 19.5 mph. Not too bad if you ask me. I also managed to hit 42 mph at one point on the ride (downhill, wind at my back).

In other news, I am slowly switching my diet but I'll write more on that tomorrow.

Happy training!

Drew

127 Days

Today's Workout

• Bike
• 150 min ride, easy to moderate pace
• Results
• 105 mins, 12-14 mph pace, lunch in the middle
• Reflection
• I ended up riding today with my brother and his wife. We had a great time but kept the pace slow and ended up eating lunch on our way back to our starting point. I had done some work on their bikes so they felt it was necessary to pay me back. I won't complain!

Tomorrow is supposed to be an off day but I plan on getting up and putting down a hard hour on the bike to make up for today. It should be great!

Happy training!

Drew

128 Days

OFF DAY!

129 Days: IT Band Issues

A little video on IT Band Syndrome:

I've mentioned it in a earlier post but I have been struggling with an IT band injury. It happened towards the beginning of March and most likely was caused by over training. This can be compounded by improper cycling form, worn out running shoes or general bad form. The day I was in enough noticeable pain I went on a 3 hour bike ride followed by a 1 hour run. After a few more workouts, I opted to readjust my bike and a few days off.

Unfortunately the days off did not help but a knee wrap and athletic tape helped to put pressure on the band to prevent it from becoming inflamed. I then bought a foam roller and researched countless stretches and work outs to help strengthen my ITB.

Today I can say that it is not perfect but the annoyance has been significantly reduced.

And on that note...

Today's Workout

• Run
• 60 mins, hills at HR 3-4, flats at  HR 1-2
• Results
• 47 mins, 40 run, 7 walk, 4.6 mi
• Reflection
• Started out with a solid pace but mid way through the legs fell off and I milked it home. Another disappointing day for running

• Bike
• 60 mins, small gear, following run
• Results
• 45 mins at 16 mph
• 15 mins at 14 mph
• Reflection
• I worked on keeping my cadence high through this ride and manage to hone in on the 80 rpm mark. The ride was solid and I was quite comfortable for having ran so poorly earlier. The bike is figuring the get much better for the next Half Ironman in June. Possibly sub 2:40, which would be great for me.

Tomorrow is an Off Day so don't expect too much from me!

Happy Training!

Drew

130 Days

Let's see...what word best describes today's workout? Lethargic? I think that works to describe it. And with that sort of day/ workout, I once again won't be posting much today. Tomorrow I will hit this blog on the head!

Today's Workout

• Swim
• Warm up
• 300 yd easy
• 6 x 50, 15s rest
• Main Set
• 8 x 100, moderate, 10s rest
• 4 x 50, moderate, kick
• Cool Down
•  200 yard easy, switch 50 pull, 50 swim
• Results
• Everything was completed except for the cool down. I elected to stop following my last kick set and head to the weight room.
• Reflections
• These days don't come often but it was really important for me to grind the workout. Even though it was not a hard day, I still needed to finish it.

• Weights
• 3 sets, 15-20 reps
• Squat, bent-arm pulldown, leg press, seated row, butterflies, leg extensions, hamstring curl
• Core set #2, x2
• Results.
• Completed all sets, 15 reps, increased weight. Core was also completed as written.
• Reflections
• Like stated with the swim, I felt very tired while lifting but pushed through it.

Tomorrow is a run/bike day. Should be very solid and I am looking forward to it!

Happy training!

Drew

131 Days

Today I had my second massage in 3 weeks. It was amazing. I will be touching base on my strategy for recovery one day but today's post is short.

Today's Workout

• Bike
• 60 mins, small chain ring work, easy pace
• Results
• 60 mins, small chain work
• 45 mins, 12-14 mph
• 10 mins, 14-16 mph
• 5 mins, 20-21 mph
• Reflections
• I get very bored riding that in the 12-14 mph range. It's almost painful for me. I don't mean to disrespect anyone who struggles in that speed range because I was once there but now in my current state it is very slow. For that reason, I worked in a few build ups while staying in my small chain ring. I didn't want to ruin the 30 minute massage I got this afternoon by pounding the bike too hard.

Sorry for being brief today. I feel like calling it an early night.

Happy training!

Drew

132 Days: Pre-workout

So true...

I feel like changing the format up today so first I'll start with my workouts:

• Swim
• Warm-up
• 300 yd swim, 100 yd drill
• Main Set
• 300 pull using swim buoy/ 100 drill, repeat for 45 minutes
• Cool Down
• 100 yd swim
• Results
• Warm up: 250 yard swim
• Main Set: 300 pull, 50 with hand paddles, 50 back kicking, repeated 5 times
• Cool Down: None
• Reflection
• Overall the swim went great. I got 50 mins in with a total of 2250 yards. I did the pull efforts slower this week that last due to my shoulders being sore but it still was solid. 

• Weights and Core
• 3 sets, 15-20 reps:
• Squat, Arm Pull down, Leg Press, Seated Row, Seated Butterfly, Hamstring Curls
• Core
• 2 sets of a pre-planned circuit
• Results
• Completed all workouts as planned but kept the squats and butterflies to 10 reps. Everything else was 20 reps for the 3 sets. Core was completed as planned
• Reflections
• My body was feeling quite tired but I was able to push on and get all the training in.

Now onto my topic for this blog: your pre-workout preparation. Every one does things a little different. Some go to the gym straight from work; others wait till after dinner. Myself, I go home after work and take a workout stimulant to increase and sustain my energy levels through each training session. This is somewhat equivalent to drinking a cup of coffee prior to a morning workout for some people. I also go over what my plan of attack for each workout is and the time necessary to be successful.

Some of you may be concerned about this workout stimulant. For the majority of my triathlon career I have used jack3d. It can be found at many nutrition stores, such as GNC, and the cost can vary between $26-$35. I also, as of today, have tried ACG3. Supposedly it is better formulated than  jack3d and comes with more servings per container. After only one day of taking it I have yet to establish an opinion. What these stimulants do in my case are cause an increase in my energy level, mainly due to the amount of caffeine, and concentrate my focus. I am yet to experience any sort of side effect from these products aside from taking them too late in the evening and not being able to go to sleep at normal time.

If you are looking for a boost in your workouts to push you through a wall, maybe one of these products could help. There are plenty of other options on the market so contact a nutritionist to find what is best for you.

Aside from the pre-workout drink, I also key in on certain stretches to preform and in recent weeks, certain muscles to be massaged out. Both have kept me from sustaining injuries during higher intensity workouts and I highly suggest taking the time to get your body warm. Most stretches can be performed at your desk while you finish up the day's tasks.

Everyone does their own thing before, after and during workouts to keep them going but I find what works best for me is a good pre-workout drink, a solid stretch and some great trance music!

Happy training!

Drew

133 Days: Sleep

Today was an interesting day...

I went into work at 2 a.m. to do some inspections on some equipment. I spent about 2 and a half hours there and got back into bed at 5 a.m. Let's just say that middle of the night interruption was more than enough to drain my workout.

I've always heard that getting 7-8 hours of sleep is essential but until you compare 6 hours to 8 hours, you just don't understand the difference it makes. When I get 8+ hours of sleep I feel that I could run all day. My energy level is simply through the roof. Your body doesn't crave food either because it was able to repair and re-energize itself through the night.

For the longest time I was more than satisfied with 6 hours of sleep a night. Now I almost force myself to bed by 9. Granted tonight I am up a little later but I had a fair amount on my to-do list to get done.

If you find yourself not losing weight as quickly as you think you should or your workouts just aren't effective, look into your sleep schedule. I'd be willing to bet that making sleep a higher priority could help you push through your barriers.

Today's Workout

• Run
• 50 mins, hills, high cadence
• Results
• 34 mins, 5 solid hills, cadence in the 80 strides/min, 8:30 min/mile pace, run cut short due to   severe weather
• Reflection
• I was pretty tired for today's run but I made sure to get it in. It took a little planning with the breaks in the storms but I managed a decent 34 minutes. However, my pace was slower than I would have liked and that is quite disappointing. The knee felt solid and gave me no trouble and that was about the best thing of the workout. I wish I could have finished those last 16 minutes but it wasn't meant to be. 

It's time to take my own advice and head to bed. The workouts this week climb a little more in length and intensity. See you tomorrow.

Drew

134 Days

Today's workout was excellent. I've got two reasons why: I went on a group ride and it was painful. The group ride was something new and enjoyable. Set out in a group of roughly 16 for about 30 miles on a beautiful morning. The ride was painful. The pace was fast and into a head-wind. I loved every minute of it.

Short and to the point, right? It's been one of those days!

Today's Workout

• Bike
• 2 hours, solid effort, heart rate zone 1-2
• Results
• 110 minutes, above average effort, HR zone 2-4
• Reflections
• As you could probably tell, today's ride was amazing. I look forward to more group rides in the future.

Sorry for such a short/ late post. I promise better posts and maybe more photos and videos.

Happy training!

Drew

135 Days: OFF DAY

OFF DAY

Talk to you tomorrow!

Drew

136 Days: The Run

Running and I have a love/hate relationship. I believe this is the case for the majority of people. So it makes perfect sense that the best triathletes in the world are phenomenal runners. I'm not talking about someone who can run a five-minute mile. I'm talking people who can run six minute miles for 26.2 miles AFTER riding a bike for 112 miles. It's simply amazing. 

I grew up running quite a bit with being a wrestler. It was something you just did. You were never happy about it but you knew it was part of the process so you put your time in and worked hard. Slowly that mentality has changed in me. I enjoy the majority of my runs. That's right; the feeling after a good run is unlike anything else. For me, the best runs are when my knee doesn't hurt and I can knock of multiple sub-8 minute mile splits.

What does one need to be an effective runner? Well, it's really up to you. I would say a professionally fitted pair of shoes from a running store but then a barefooted runner would say otherwise. I'd also say that a quality music playlist is a must but then someone will mention that you can't have a mp3 player during races so why train with one. SO, I’ll tell you what I use. I wear Adidas Supernova Sequence shoes, size 12.5. I prefer to run in cutoff workout shirts, such as Nike's Pro Combat line. I use an Ipod shuffle filled with all sorts of music and a pair of Ipod headphones. I was using Yurbud earphones but unfortunately they don't hold up too well to the vigor of running. Ironic for a brand that is the 'Official Headphone of Ironman' or whatever they say. So once they started cutting out, I took the rubber attachments off and put them on Apple headphones. Ultimately I will go back to a more expensive pair such as Shure SE215's. They're amazing and I miss my old pair. Finally, add in some running shorts, sunglasses for outside runs and maybe a hat and you're all set for running. 

Now you just need a plan and a quality road/gym. To the people who run on treadmills every day, I applaud you. What a boring way to spend your workout. Trust me, I know this first hand. In fact, I had to do it tonight with my scheduled training session. Ugh...

Running is just like riding a bike in the fact that it doesn't come easy. You have to put in the time and miles. And do not forget about brick sessions. For those new to triathlons, a brick is when you immediately go from riding your bike to running just like in a race. The feeling is awkward and sometimes painful but it is necessary to experience prior to a race. There is nothing funnier than watching some wobble around when getting off a bike after 3 hours. I've been the person so I'm allowed to laugh at others. Don't judge me. 

I don't have much insight into the run. Everything I've learned is through friends, magazines, YouTube and RunnersWorld.com. I highly recommend their site. On that note...

Today's Workouts

• Bike
• 60 mins, easy pedaling, small ring
• Results
• 10 mins at 10 mph
• 50 mins at 14 mph
• Reflection 
• It's hard for me to ride at 10 mph on the trainer. It's almost painful. 14 mph is much better. I sat in aero position for 45 mins and felt great.
• Run
• 50 mins, hilly course of treadmill, hit HR zone 3/4 on uphill and keep in 1/2 otherwise
• Results
• 10 mins on treadmill-steep incline, 6 mph
• 20 mins on treadmill-flat 6 mph
• 18 mins on indoor track
• 1 lap sprint, 1 lap easy, averaged out to 6.7 mph pace
• 2 mins easy walking
• Reflections
• My left IT band is still bothersome but getting better. I use a Velcro band to keep pressure on it and then make it tighter by wrapping it in athletic tape. It seems to do the job for most running workouts. The treadmill running felt great. I've adjusted my run so that I land more on my toes due to the IT band issue but this leads to more stress on my calves. The sprint work was good as well, minus having to run around people walking in the running lane of the track.

Overall today's work was solid. I am happy with my first week of training so far and am looking forward to my workouts this weekend. Tomorrow is an off day which will be great. 

Happy running!

Drew                                                     

137 Days: Finding a Groove

Getting back into training after a week off is always tough. I had some meetings about an hour away this morning but I was able to get up and do some lifting a core. During my last training block I began to focus on weight training to help with all three triathlon disciplines. It seemed to work great and the results continue to impress me. I highly recommend working strength training into any plans you have.

After getting home I had a pretty good swim session. I used my new hand paddles for the first time and they really do make you have proper hand positioning. They also helped with the pull portion of my stroke.

This post is going to be short so let's cut to the workouts:

Today's Workout:

• Weights and Core (AM)
• Squat, 3 sets, 15-20 reps
• Bent-arm press down, 3 sets, 15-20 reps
• Leg Press, 3 sets, 15-20 reps
• Seated Row, 3 sets, 15-10 reps
• Leg Extensions, 3 sets, 15-20 reps
• Hamstring Curls, 3 sets, 15-20 reps
• Core Set #2, 2 sets
• Results
• I completed each lift by doing 3 sets of 20 reps. Typically there is a 60 second rest between lifts but I normally cut that down to 30-40 seconds to keep my heart rate someone elevated. I also completed both sets of core work.
• Reflection
• I was worried that not having lifted in two weeks would lead to soreness for the swim but that was not the case. All the lifts felt good and the core work was excellent. I did get pretty stiff during the day but that was easily stretched out.

• Swim (PM)
• Warm up: 
• 300 yards easy
• 6x50 yards with 15 second rest intervals
• Main Set: 
• 5x100, swim, moderate effort, 10 second rest intervals
• 4x50, kick, moderate effort, 20 second rest intervals
• Cool Down:
• 200, easy swim
• 50, pull with swim buoy
• 50, easy swim
• Results
• I did all swim sets as instructed with no variations. I worked with my hand paddles during the warm up 300 and cool down 200.
• Reflection
• Swimming felt great. There was no shoulder or back straining and my stroke really moved me through the water. It's always a great pool sessions when you are the only one in the water. I live for those pool days. I am getting excited about being able to swim outside soon.

That's all I got today!

Drew

138 Days: The Bike

Riding a bike is something most of us have done since we were children. You started off with training wheels, then with a parent guiding you, then eventually you were pedaling and rolling on your single speed cruiser. To use the brakes you simply pedaled backwards and the only position you knew was standing up.

No one cared about their 'aero' position or how many grams their pedals weighed. Biked made out of steel and aluminum were the norm and not a single kid knew what carbon fiber was. Don't get me started on helmets; I never wore mine until I went over the handle bars in the sixth grade.

The bike can be the most intimidating portion of a triathlon. Typically, it is the longest portion in both distance and time. That's a lot of time to think about nothing but the air blowing around your ears, the salt off the ocean hitting your skin or that bug you just swallowed. All that time on your bike can leads to a certain numbness that most riders wish to do without. 

My first bike when I started triathlons in my current one. It's a 2009 Jamis Xenith T1 Triathlon/TT bike. Some of you may wonder why I would spend so much on a full carbon fiber bike for a sport I was just getting in to. Well, it turns out that one of my college roommates, David, was good friends with a bike store owner and I was able to get the bike for a fraction of the asking price. It pays to know people.

My first ride was awkward and slow. I don't think I went more than 5 miles before I was ready to get off and walk. I kept at it and eventually learned to love being on the bike. With adjustments made to the bike, my form and my workouts, I became extremely comfortable in my aero position. This is very evident today because of the tan lines on my back that stop halfway over the shoulder from my last race. The life guards at the pool had a good life at my expense.

There are few tips I have in regards to biking. First off, enjoy it. Whether you're on a group ride or tearing up country highways, biking is a great time to reflect and relax. Second, wear a helmet. Remember me mentioning I went over the handle bars in the sixth grade? Lucky for me I didn't bust my head wide open. I did learn a good lesson though. Third, there is no need to purchase a brand new, state-of-the-art bike for training or racing. Yes, it would have all the bells and whistles but most people can't afford to do this. However, these bike can be found for relatively cheap on craigslist sometimes. Look into bikes that are a few years old too. Fourth, your bike legs will not come easy. You just don't hop on your bike and ride 56 or 112 miles. One must concentrate of form, put in saddle time and push their weekly volume.

I love my bike; I do. I recently upgraded my saddle to a ISM Adamo Racing II. It's made a huge difference in my comfort level on longer rides and causes no numbness. I train on Easton Vista SL wheels and will have a custom carbon fiber wheels by the end of the month. My bike uses SRAM Force components. And finally, I have a Rudy Project Zuma helmet.

It's not the most expensive but I have enjoyed all of my rides with it. Here's to many more!

Today's Workout:

• Bike:
• 45 Mins, flat/rolling course, HR Zone 1-2, easy on pedals
• Results:
• Trainer ride
• 25 mins, 10-14 mph
• 10 mins, 16-20 mph
• 10 mins, 12-14 mph
• Avg, Speed: 13.0 mph  Distance: 9.87 miles
• Reflection:
• Overall the ride was good. I was in aero for about 30 mins and was quite comfortable. The legs felt good and the hips were loose. A solid easy session for a build-up week.

That's all for today. Happy training!

Drew

139 Days: The Swim

Swimming. It may be the number one reason why people are driven away from trying a triathlon. I've heard countless times "I'd be great on the bike and run, but I don't think I could do the swim." When I ask why the reasons range from being uncomfortable with having their face in the water to I would sink. 

Well let me tell you, you don't become an efficient swimmer overnight. I've put countless hours into swimming, watching technique videos and doing swim drills. And finally, after a little more than a year in triathlon, I have found my groove in the water. It really hit me in my last half Ironman when about half-way through the swim I was perfectly relaxed and enjoying the water.

Growing up I always enjoyed swimming. Being a heavier kid didn't limit me in the water like it did with running and riding a bike. I was one of the quickest swimmers out of my friends and quicker than my brothers. I always figured in high school if wrestling didn't work out I would be able to find a spot on the swim team. 

I'll not to bore you too much but the moral of the story is that if you put the time and effort into swimming one day you'll realize it's not so bad and you'll begin to enjoy it. It may only take weeks or maybe it'll take months, but one day you'll enjoy the water.

In terms of swim equipment, I have goggles(duh), a kick board, hand paddles, a swim buoy and my swim jammers. To those who are just starting, I recommend a good set of goggles and a good swim suit. You can accumulate the rest later or even better, your pool may allow you to use theirs. My goggles are the Speedo Hydrospex 2 (~$15). I just bought these because I was in need of new ones and these goggles offered a slight tint and wide viewing range. In terms of my swimsuit, I use Speedo Rapid Slice Jammers (~$35). They are very comfortable and hold up in heavily chlorinated pools.

Finally, you need a pool to swim in, preferably one indoors. You want to be able to get your swims in no matter what the weather. I swim at my local community center and they have a very nice 25 yard pool. Once I figured out what times were best to avoid the throngs of kids that show up, I have had no problems.

Today's Workout:

• Swim
• Warm Up: 300 swim/ 100 drill
• Main Set: 300 swim using pull buoy, 100 drill, repeat for 45 minutes on steady effort, no stopping
• Cool Down: 100 swim
• Totals: ~55 mins, 2500 yds
• Results
• Warm up of 300, 5 sets of 300/100, 100 cool down
• Totals: ~45 mins, 2400 yds
• Reflection
• As you can see I pushed the pace on my workout. With the increased pace I backed off the total distance but still maintained good form and a had a solid swim. Overall I feel good about the workout and training again after being off for a week.

That's all I have for today. This process may change around a bit with the more posts a make but don't expect every day to be so long; some days may only have workout results.

Drew

P.S.- Excuse the writing mistakes if there are any!

140 Days

Welcome to my blog. To those who have been here before, there will sadly be nothing about living in Spain which took up most of my previous postings. To those that are new, feel free to go back and read and check out the photos.

This blog is about all things triathlon and my upcoming journey to completing a 140.6 mile Ironman race. This is not my first go-around in triathlon. I have completed three half-ironmans, the most recent in Galveston, TX on April 1, 2012. Let's just say it didn't go to plan and the wheels fell off on the run, resulting in a dismal time of 6 hours and 12 minutes.

I plan on using this outlet as a way of sharing my workouts, diet, motivation and anything else I see fit. I may even share a secret or two that I've learned along the way. I want to be able to look back on August 27, the day after my Ironman, and reflect on what it took for me to get there.

I hope you get something out of this and if no one reads it, then I've got a record of all my experiences!

I'll leave you with this:

Drew